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A Garda car passes cleared snow and ice on Slade More Road in Co. Dublin in January 2025. (stock image)(Image: PA)<\/p>\nFears are growing that schools could be affected as an Arctic blast is set to hit Ireland at the beginning of January – just as children are set to return to classrooms following the Christmas holidaysA Garda car passes cleared snow and ice on Slade More Road in Co. Dublin in January 2025. (stock image)(Image: PA)<\/p>\n
Concerns are mounting that an Arctic blast forecast for Ireland at the start of the New Year could arrive precisely when pupils across the nation are due to head back to school after the Christmas<\/a> break.<\/p>\n Specialists, including forecasters at Met \u00c9ireann, agree that the probability of a freezing cold snap is growing daily, with current weather<\/a> models indicating the bitter conditions will hit in early January – just as youngsters prepare to return to their desks.<\/p>\n Whilst experts acknowledge that predicting snow<\/a> is notoriously challenging, many suggest it’s probable that parts of Ireland will experience some snowfall over multiple days in the opening week of January. Nevertheless, one Irish weather specialist cautioned against “promising children or teachers snow”.<\/p>\n “That cold air will likely last for 5 days but could be longer, hard to say yet and main risk of snow at present is Northern areas but as I said last night forecasting snow even 2 days out is tricky to don’t be promising children or teachers snow,” wrote Alan O’Reilly of Carlow Weather on X.<\/p>\n “Cold January on the way? GFS and ECMWF ensembles say YES! Snow threat on the up, esp NYD on…,” posted Mark Vogan of markvoganweather.com on X, reports the Irish Mirror<\/a>.<\/p>\n Following a recent storm, the Department of Education contacted schools outlining what factors they should consider when deciding whether to close a school due to severe weather conditions.<\/p>\n Citizen’s Advice has clarified that the final decision on school closures during severe weather rests with individual schools. A statement on their website reads: “School management in each school decides whether the school should close during extreme weather events. This is because they are best placed to assess how local weather conditions will affect their school’s ability to open.<\/p>\n “Schools will inform parents if they decide to close. This will usually be by text or email so keep an eye on your phone and emails for updates. You can also check your school’s website as they may post a notice there. Schools can use discretionary days where they planned to close to makeup for any time lost due to unexpected school closures. This can include reducing mid-term breaks, for example.”<\/p>\n The Government’s Office of Emergency Planning also provides guidance: “In the event of an emergency, the school management authority can make the decision to close a school. Any decision to close the school is made in the interest of children’s safety. The school management authority will assess local risks and consult school transport operators.”<\/p>\n Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link <\/a>to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content.<\/p>\n We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don\u2019t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you\u2019re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice<\/a>.<\/p>\n